Cons

Lower floors lack views

Long elevator waits

Bottom Line

Mammoth in size (1,258 rooms), and neutral in charm, the Sheraton capitalizes on its ultimate draw: location, location, location. You can literally walk to every Seattle attraction from this hotel, situated in the epicenter of downtown Seattle. Even heading over to the Seattle Center Space Needle is a mere two-minute Monorail ride away.

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Convention groups and business travelers put this large-scale hotel at the top of their list.

This mega-sized hotel consists of two towers -- “Union Street” and “Pike Street” -- and sits directly adjacent to the Washington State Convention Center. For this reason, the Sheraton is a prime choice for business travelers and large groups; by the same token, it’s also home to many celebrity charity events, so it’s not unheard of to spot a star or two on occasion. The enormous marble lobby displays glass works from internationally-known Seattle artist, Dale Chihuly (his pieces are also sprinkled throughout the guestrooms), and offers plenty of seating for cocktails or free Wi-Fi use.

Not surprisingly, the downside of being at one of the largest hotels in town is the sometimes tedious wait for an elevator (same problem for maintenance staff called to your room, by the way), but you can shorten the duration by avoiding the prime check-in and check-out hours. Then again, if you’re heading to the 35th-floor fitness center, the expansive views of the city might just be worth some patience.

Hardly a car, taxi, or bus needed at this centrally located downtown hotel

Without being directly on the waterfront (a coveted Seattle location), the Sheraton still manages to take firm advantage of all that downtown Seattle has to offer -- no car or transit needed. It’s throwing distance from the Washington State Convention Center, and literally surrounded on all sides by shopping, theater, and dining attractions that will keep you going for days. Kids will likely drag you to Gameworks, the mega-arcade down the street, but you’ve got plenty of stores nearby to keep you busy. Nordstrom and Pacific Place shopping center (the latter of which contains a multiplex theater) is a block-and-a-half away. Westlake Center is equally close, with its full-on food court and access to the Monorail, the iconic elevated train that whisks you over to the Seattle Center (home of the Space Needle) in a mere two minutes.

1,258 rooms and suites divided between two towers; the higher up you go, the better the space and views

The most frequently heard comment about rooms is that the beds are "comfy" (which, in the grand scheme of hotel land, is a good thing). And since their multi-million-dollar renovation of the oft-maligned Pike Tower, guests don’t have to worry about making sure they end up in the newer section of the hotel. Rooms in both towers are done up in muted, “neutral” tones (read: unassuming beige and brown); it’s definitely not the most innovative or stylish decor on the market, but certainly conducive to a good night’s rest. For great city views, make sure to book above the 25th floor (corner rooms, though more expensive, offer exceptional city vistas). Go with one of the Club rooms and you’ll get upgraded amenities (i.e. larger TV, free daily newspaper), as well as access to the Club Lounge, which offers free daily breakfast and afternoon hors d’oeuvres.

All Rooms Include:

Double pillow-top mattress

Down/feather pillows (hypoallergenic on request)

Safe

Minibar (fees apply)

32- to 37-inch LCD flat-panel TV with cable and premium channels

Movies and video games

Hairdryer

Shine by Bliss bath products

Iron and ironing board

Alarm clock/radio

Data-port line

Air conditioning

Tub/shower with rainforest shower heads

Starbucks coffee and Tazo teas

Wi-Fi ($10.95 per day)

Room Types:

Traditional room: 234 square feet; located on floors 5 to 20

Deluxe room: 234 square feet; has spacious bathroom

Sheraton Club room: 234 square feet; located on floor 32 to 37 of Pike Street Tower

Suites: 465 to 861 square feet; located on floors 25 to 33 of the Pike Street Tower